Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s dairy sector is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with milk production doubling and crossbred cattle numbers surging eightfold in just three years, thanks to the ambitious “Bounty of the Basket” (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative. This surge, hailed by the Ministry of Agriculture, underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering food security and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
State Minister of Agriculture, Fikru Regassa, revealed the impressive figures, attributing the success to targeted crossbreeding programs and improved agricultural practices implemented across four key agricultural clusters. However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges, including animal feed shortages and the need for further infrastructure development.
“Before the initiative, we were crossbreeding around 500,000 animals annually,” Regassa explained. “In the first year of ‘Bounty of the Basket’, that number doubled to 1.2 million. By the third year, we aimed for 3.8 million, and we’re well on our way.”
This dramatic increase in crossbred cattle has directly translated into a near-doubling of annual milk production, from 5.8 billion litres to a projected 12 billion litres. This surge is a testament to the effectiveness of improved breeding techniques, better feed availability, and comprehensive capacity-building efforts for farmers.
To sustain this growth, Ethiopia has invested heavily in infrastructure and technology. The establishment of local liquid nitrogen production facilities, crucial for artificial insemination programs, has been a key development. “We’ve acquired five new processing units, with two already operational and three in the installation phase,” Regassa stated. “By the end of this year, we’ll have a total of ten liquid nitrogen plants.”
The initiative also focuses on strengthening milk processing and distribution. Farmers are being integrated into cooperatives and unions to enhance their market participation. Local processing plants are producing dairy products like yoghurt, cheese, and butter, while larger-scale facilities in cities like Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Awassa support broader distribution networks.
“We are ensuring that farmers have access to affordable, high-quality animal feed in all regions,” Regassa emphasized. “This is crucial for sustaining milk production and supporting the growing population of crossbred cattle.”
The increased availability of milk has led to a rise in dairy consumption, contributing to the fight against malnutrition and childhood stunting. “Households now have access to nutritious dairy products, significantly improving their dietary intake,” Regassa noted.
A high-level workshop held at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa brought together stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders to develop a unified national strategy for the dairy sector. ILRI Senior Scientist Gebregziabher Gebreyohanes highlighted the forum’s goal of fostering synergies among sector institutions.
“This board would provide crucial oversight and strategic direction, ensuring sector stability and expansion,” Gebreyohanes stated. He also emphasized ILRI’s ongoing partnership with the government to enhance dairy quality across all indicators.
The success of the “Bounty of the Basket” initiative is revolutionizing Ethiopia’s dairy sector, establishing a robust foundation for sustainable agricultural development. Through strategic partnerships, infrastructure enhancements, and innovative policies, Ethiopia is making significant strides towards food security and economic prosperity, serving as a model for agricultural transformation in Africa.